The retail job sector encompasses a wide range of store types and individuals serving in various roles. Retail store managers, given the wide variety of challenges -- both from an operational and personnel perspective -- often must play roles of product experts, engineers and mini-accountants. Although education requirements vary from one company to the next, one retail organization might require more education than another for its store managers.

High School

The de facto standard for general employability, the high school diploma -- or GED in some cases -- is also the base minimum required for store managers. Although it may be tough for an individual with a high school degree to get priority over degreed candidates in a company's store-level succession plans, strong work ethic, drive and solid understanding of leadership needs may propel an applicant into consideration.

Bachelor's Degree

Although a college degree doesn't necessarily imply greater intelligence, a degree does show a general willingness to further improve oneself. College degrees in business, accounting, marketing and management apply to the retail environment, offering an academic background that most companies can't match with their own training. Store leaders often view those with degrees as more driven and detail oriented, positive attributes and potential inspiration and examples for other employees.

Master's Degree

Store managers or prospects who wish to propel themselves past the store level and into corporate or regional leadership positions might pursue a master's degree in their chosen field. Though some managers might view those possessing such degrees as overqualified to be a store leader, that isn't always the case in a tough job market. Given that the bachelor's degree is rapidly becoming the minimum educational requirement for employers in general, the master's is replacing the bachelor's as a basic educational requirement for anyone wanting to move ahead of the pack. In an era of degree inflation, a master's might earn preference in some environments, although it's generally not a minimum educational requirement for these positions.

Training and Experience

Retail is sales driven. The traits needed for a successful sales career -- personality, internal motivation and an unwillingness to easily accept defeat -- are implied by a college degree but not often taught. Smarter organizations don't ignore innate talents and experience. A company might select a store manager with extensive sales experience and a high school degree over a new college graduate with limited experience at a fast-food restaurant. Many retail employers look at the breadth of specialized training, job experience and education in the aggregate when making these decisions.

About the Author

David Lipscomb is a professional writer and public relations practitioner. Lipscomb brings more than a decade of experience in the consumer electronics and advertising industries. Lipscomb holds a degree in public relations from Webster University.